36 Hours of Keystone 2006
· Keystone will turn on the lifts at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1 and keep them on for 36 hours until 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2
· New this year: the 36 Express Challenge which features a 12-hour team competition, Friday only, and a chance to win $1,200
· Demo the latest skis and snowboards, groove to 36 hours of music, catch high-flying action during the River Run Industry Fest of Films and don’t miss the Grand Finale Fireworks at the third annual 36 Hours of Keystone
· The 36 Hour Team Challenge is back and offers teams of skiers and riders a chance to compete for $3,600
Keystone, Colo. – Keystone’s celebrating its 36th anniversary with the third annual 36 Hours of Keystone. While most resorts welcome winter by simply turning on the lifts, Keystone’s kicking off its 2006.2007 season with The 36 Hours of Keystone – a unique event featuring 36 hours of skiing, riding, music, lodging deals, and the chance to win $3600.
“Keystone’s third annual 36 Hours of Keystone event is back and bigger than ever,” said Elizabeth Tobias, special events manager for Keystone. According to Tobias, Keystone plans to stay open for 36 consecutive hours starting at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 1 and continuing until 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. The festivities include live bands, a Summit sunrise breakfast, KSMT radio live for 36 hours, an industry Fest of Films, and skiing/riding all day and all night.
“In all of my years in the ski industry, The 36 Hours of Keystone event is one of the most unique events I’ve ever seen,” said Roger McCarthy, chief operating officer for Keystone. “People thought we were nuts when I told them we were hosting 36 straight hours of skiing and snowboarding the first year. Now, with this being our third year, they still think we’re nuts. We turn the lights on and let people ski and ride at all hours of the day or night. It’s the biggest and most energetic early-season event in the industry. It’s a don’t-miss event.”
For those up to the challenge, Keystone will present a 36-hour team challenge for the third year. Teams of two to four skiers and snowboarders who complete one lap every hour for the entire 36-hour event are entered to win $3,600 in cash. The cost to enter the 36 Hour Team Challenge is $249 per team, which includes a one-night stay in a one-bedroom condo unit in River Run on Dec. 1. Teams must register on Keystone36.com. Lift tickets must be purchased separately (or season passes). The number of teams will be limited.
Don’t have 36 hours to ski or ride? Try the new abbreviated team event – the 36 Express Challenge - that only requires teams of one to four people to ski/ride for 12 hours (one lap per hour for a total of 12 runs) for a chance to win $1,200. No lodging is required for Express teams. The cost is $36 per person - lift ticket is not included and must be purchased separately.
“Participate or just be a spectator,” Tobias said. “Either way, don’t miss this high-action, high-energy event.”
Keystone’s offering great lodging deals starting at under $99 per night. Buses will be running all lodging routes for the entire 36 hours. All parking lots will be free and the Pika lot will be designated as the camping/RV lot. Pets aren’t allowed. A portion of the proceeds from 36 Hours of Keystone will benefit the Keystone Center. For more information on The 36 Hours of Keystone call 800.468.5004.
A youth team riders (Jake Balerud) shows off his style. The A51 park will expand again this season.